To remove coolant from a car engine, you need to drain it from the radiator and potentially the engine block. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Coolant
- Locate the Radiator Drain Plug: According to the reference, the drain plug is typically on the left or right side of the radiator, near the bottom.
- Position a Catch Pan: Place a catch pan beneath the drain plug to collect the coolant as it drains.
- Loosen the Drain Plug: Carefully loosen the radiator drain plug.
- Allow Coolant to Drain: Let the coolant drain completely from the radiator into the catch pan.
- Drain Engine Block: After the radiator is drained, you will usually need to move your catch pan underneath the engine to drain any remaining coolant from the engine block. Many vehicles have a drain plug or bolt on the engine block to facilitate this.
Important Considerations:
- Safety: Coolant is toxic. Wear gloves and eye protection. Be careful of hot coolant if the engine has been running.
- Disposal: Do not pour coolant down the drain or onto the ground. Dispose of used coolant at an appropriate recycling center or auto parts store.
- Vehicle Specifics: The location of drain plugs may vary between vehicles. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Locate the drain plug | Find the drain plug on the lower side of the radiator (usually on the left or right side). |
| 2. Position Catch Pan | Place the catch pan under the drain plug to collect the coolant. |
| 3. Loosen drain plug | Carefully loosen the radiator drain plug. |
| 4. Drain from Radiator | Let coolant fully drain into the catch pan. |
| 5. Drain from Engine Block | Move the catch pan under the engine and drain coolant from engine block drain plug, if available. |
The process described in the provided YouTube video excerpt focuses on loosening the drain plug on the radiator and letting the coolant drain into a catch pan. After draining the radiator, the video suggests moving the catch pan under the engine for the remaining coolant.
